For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person with shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please,” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there,” or “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?
James 2:2-4
The other week I saw what looked like a homeless man after mass getting free coffee and doughnuts. Not to compare me with St. Augustine or anything but I have a confession to make… I didn’t think very nice things about him at that moment. One of my thoughts was “I bet he doesn’t even go to mass! Why is he here eating our doughnuts?” I know, I’m terrible!
I came face to face with my hypocrisy that day. My shame was compounded a few weeks later when I saw the same man at mass. Maybe the smiling faces that greeted him the day he came looking for a handout were the reason he decided to come to mass. I pray the next time an opportunity like this is presented to me I approach it with the love of Jesus instead of the judgment of evil designs.
How can you see the people around you today as children of God instead of rich or poor?
Lord, give me the grace to put aside my evil ways and choose the love of Jesus instead.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Davis Watts
Did you know...
Davis Watts is the Music Director at Spirit FM 90.5 and father of two children, Madelyne who passed away at 22 while battling Cystic Fibrosis, and Ethan who continues to fight this deadly disease every day. He is also the step-father of two boys, Liam and Graham. Davis and his wife Abby are parishioners at Nativity in Brandon. Davis holds a degree in Religious Studies from Saint Leo University and is an accomplished musician. Davis is a passionate speaker, knowledgeable on the Catholic faith, marriage, and music. You can hear him on Spirit FM weekdays from 10 am-3 pm.
